Croatian President Zoran Milanović criticized the European Union’s push toward becoming a superstate while voicing support for Montenegro’s EU membership. Speaking at the 27th Lučindan Gatherings in Zagreb on November 2, Milanović argued the bloc should focus on free trade, freedom of movement, and rule harmonization rather than overreaching its original mandate.
Milanović told the Montenegrin community in Croatia that Montenegro was welcome to join the EU, calling it a candidate moving toward membership. “Montenegro is a candidate for membership of the European Union, it is moving towards the EU and let it come. As far as I am concerned, it is welcome,” he said .
The event was attended by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, who emphasized that both countries share responsibility for strengthening good-neighbourly relations. Milatović said Montenegro’s EU accession would benefit both nations but required resolving open issues and fostering mutual trust.
Milanović also stressed the value of Montenegro’s statehood, urging the country to pursue success independently of EU membership. “The greatest thing you have is your state. Montenegro has realised itself, and everything else consists of greater or lesser advances,” he said .
The Lučindan Gatherings, a traditional event for the Montenegrin community in Croatia, brought together cultural and public figures from both countries. According to the 2021 census, 3,127 members of the Montenegrin national minority live in Croatia .
